Can You Use Cast Iron on Induction, Glass-Top and Gas Stoves?

Cast iron is one of the most flexible cookware materials. Here is how it behaves on each kind of heat source.

Gas

Works well. Preheat on a medium flame so the pan heats evenly.

Electric coil

Works well. Choose a pan with a flat base so it sits fully on the coil.

Induction

Works, because cast iron is magnetic. Check that the base is flat, and lift the pan rather than sliding it, to avoid scratching the surface.

Glass or ceramic-top

Usually works, but take care:

• Cast iron is heavy and rough, so lift it, don’t slide it, or you can scratch the glass.
• Use a pan with a smooth, flat base.
• Don’t drop it, and check your stove’s manual for weight limits.

Oven and broiler

Excellent. Cast iron goes from stovetop to oven, which is why it’s great for cornbread, roast chicken and finishing a seared steak.

Campfire and grill

Great for outdoor cooking. See our camping guide.

Microwave

Don’t use it. Metal doesn’t belong in a microwave.

Tips for any cooktop

• Preheat slowly.
• Use oven mitts, because the handle gets very hot.
• Let it cool before washing.

Watch

Further reading

• Whirlpool: cast iron on induction: Cast iron is magnetic, so it works on induction. Lift rather than slide it to avoid scratching, and consider enameled.
• Hunker: cast iron on glass tops: Lists the risks to glass: weight, rough bottoms, scratching, cracking if dropped.
• Lodge: any heat source: Cast iron works on gas, electric, induction and outdoor grills, with small technique tweaks such as matching burner size.